When Connor first joined In the Lead, life felt heavy. His health challenges made a normal teenage existence almost impossible. He didn’t see any strengths in himself, had very little hope for his future, and was completely disconnected from school, peers, and the community. As his mom, watching him struggle like that was heartbreaking. I worried every day about what his future would look like.
Then CYJS stepped in.
From the very beginning, the team at In the Lead saw something in Connor that he couldn’t see in himself. They welcomed him with care, encouragement, and belief. Slowly, things began to change. Through the program, Connor started discovering his own strengths — talents and qualities that had been hidden under layers of doubt and fear. He began to see possibilities instead of barriers.
The turning point came when Connor started building real connections. The mentors and peers at CYJS made Connor feel seen and valued. They didn’t just focus on what was hard; they helped him recognize what was amazing about him. Those connections gave him confidence and reminded him that he belongs. For the first time in a long time, he came home happy and engaged. That spark grew into something incredible.
Today, Connor is a different young man. He’s engaged, hopeful, and proud of who he is. He has friendships, mentors, and a vision for his future. He is playing Volt hockey on the competitive team and he is playing Wheelchair Soccer for team Alberta! He is living his best life! The transformation I’ve witnessed is nothing short of amazing — and it happened because CYJS believed in him when he couldn’t believe in himself.
If I could describe our experience in one word, it would be hope. CYJS gave Connor hope — and gave me hope as his mom in a moment when it really mattered. That hope changed everything.
– Sarah (Parent of Connor – ITL Participant)
Your Support Makes This Possible
Connor’s story is just one example of the life-changing impact of In the Lead. There are so many young people like him who need someone to believe in them, to help them discover their strengths, and to show them what’s possible.
You can be part of that change.
Your gift today helps CYJS continue this vital work — creating moments that matter, building connections that last, and giving hope where it’s needed most.
